A novel multiplex rt-PCR assay for the detection of four chromosomal translocations of leukemia.

Aims: The object of the present study was to develop a novel multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay to detect four common recurrent chromosomal translocations t(9;22)(q34;q11), t(15;17)(q22;q12), t(8;21)(q22;q22), and t(1;19)(q23;q13). Results: This novel multiplex RT-PCR method can specifically detect these six positive plasmids with known transcripts, and the sensitivities were up to 10 copies. In the diagnosis of clinical specimens, four chromosomal translocations, including seven transcripts, were actually specifically detected. Conclusions: This newly developed multiplex RT-PCR system can be used to detect these four recurrent chromosomal translocations specifically and sensitively. It is novel, accurate, and time and cost effective in the detection of leukemia-specific chromosomal translocations. Assays with this new strategy will have a potential in detecting other chromosomal translocations in leukemias.